Certificate Programs

The Graduate Certificate offers the opportunity for a short-term course of study with Claremont’s world-renowned faculty. Certificate students participate in semester-long graduate courses that usually meet only once per week, often in the afternoons and evenings. The Certificate indicates that students have completed advanced work in either a broad spectrum of advanced religious education or a specific topic or field of study.

The Certificate in “Biblical Studies” is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. The introductory courses in both fields are required as part of the certificate unless the requirements are waived due to prior course work.

The Certificate in Christian Ministry is designed to provide an introduction to important areas of Christian studies for individuals who want basic theological education for ministry. The program intentionally integrates academic study with ministry experience to strengthen Christian knowledge and practice.

The Certificate in “Engaged Compassion” offers training in contemplative practices and processes that cultivate active compassion for healing and empowerment in individual lives, as well as reconciliation and repair of brokenness within interpersonal relationships, communities, and the world.

This Certificate in Engaged Compassion is open to laypersons and community leaders without previous academic work in religion/theology, and is also appropriate for spiritual leaders who already hold theological degrees.

The Certificate in “Hebrew Bible” is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Hebrew Bible. The introductory course in the field is required as part of the certificate unless the requirement is waived due to prior course work.

This program is intended to offer professional development and continuing education for educators and administrators in Muslim educational contexts who seek advanced education but may not want to enroll for a full degree program. Up to 12 units for courses taken in this certificate program with an earned-letter grade, however, may be transferred in to a degree program at a later date. Courses are typically offered during summer and winter terms.

This flexible program is intended to offer continuing education for imams and other Muslim leaders who seek advanced education but may not want to enroll for a full degree program. Up to 12 units for courses taken in this certificate program with an earned-letter grade, however, may be transferred in to a degree program at a later date. Courses begin at the start of each semester.

The Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan studies is designed to offer persons the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and awareness of Methodist traditions and practices of ministry.

While the certificate centers on United Methodist understandings, it also examines other Methodist traditions and denominations. The certificate focuses on Methodist history, polity, theology, mission, and evangelism.

The program is open to laity desiring a deeper understanding of their Methodist tradition as well as persons on the UMC ordination track.

The Certificate in “New Testament” is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the New Testament. The introductory course in the field is required as part of the certificate unless the requirement is waived due to prior course work.

The Certificate in “Process Studies” is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to augment their knowledge of Process Philosophy and Theology. Admission into the program requires documented knowledge of fundamental/basic instruction in theology and/or philosophy.

Students will be able to choose from classes that have a serious process component, but relate to other thought traditions or themes.

The Certificate in “Religion and Liberation: Global Perspectives” is designed to offer individuals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the interrelation between liberationism, racialization and colonialism.